ONE YEAR (in 15 minutes) RENOVATING a Crumbling Cottage

[@desireegarrett1306]

Cannot believe you painted the floors black!

[@donkilgore6588]

Yes! What was behind the decision to paint the floors black?

[@amidstheroses]

It is not because she is an American. Plenty of Americans, like myself, would NEVER do that to an historic property. Very impractical. It will require daily mopping to look nice.

[@chaotic-goodartistry3903]

Ikr hasn't she heard of wood stain?

[@fredrika27]

Can't believe you took out the wood burner in the living room!

[@annakat3754]

I'll be honest...I liked the multi colored tiles

[@myla2102]

Ah enfin je n’osais pas le dire ! Pour une fois qu’un élément tel ce carrelage détonnait d’une touche « gourmande » et stimulante dans une cuisine, je trouvais ça intéressant pour inventer une cuisine différente autour de cette note forte , impertinente, voire excentrique comme savent l’être avec génie les anglais😊 pour notre grand plaisir❤

[@silva7493]

So did I.

[@joansmith3492]

like all the colors you picked except for the black floors,

[@Hollandsemum2]

You have my sympathies. Besides spending a fair amount of time in Europe, we lived in several Eastern Seaboard states. At two of those houses, my gather refinished the solid wood floors. Stripped them with Varnoline, the revarnished with newer coatings. In the one in NYC Metro, he also had to rewire the house. Inside the wall were old gas lines and paper wrapped non-copper wiring. In the much younger house, the fireplace didn't work right so my parents hired a chimney mason, and he discovered that the terra cotta flue pipes had not been stacked straight. So not only was there an old squirrel nest, but sparks could enter the attic through the gaps. The fire box was also not shaped correctly, and worse, was lined with non-fireprooof brick. That one had real swinging shutters thatt my dad took to a place with a tank that they could soak in for stripping, and then my parents carefully repainted them, and their slats, by hand.

[@hajarhalim5043]

I was watching yesterday the episode of Ladies of London where you were crying worried about if you would be able to take on the responsibilities of taking over the estate. Well I think not only you were able to take it on, but it looks likes it was the best thing that ever happened to it. Now you know that they will mention you in the history as the american viscountess that saved it❤. Love from Canada.

[@taunyawren8020]

Oh I miss that show! They should bring it back.

[@28105wsking]

I agree 100%!! Julie, you are the best thing that ever happened to Mapperton! The perfect wife for the perfect power couple! Wow! You are the boogie in the boot! Dakini power at work!

[@fredrika27]

I wish people would treat Meghan Markle with the same respect as the American Vicountess! It's sad when Americans go to the UK and are treated poorly. The Vicountess has the same get up and go as the Dutchess and has saved her husband's family estate. It's sad that the Dutchess was ran off because she could have done the same for the House of Windsor!

[@timhazeltine3256]

​@@fredrika27Perhaps if a certain duchess had treated her late Majesty with respect and consideration when the Queen was suffering from a fatal illness, she would have been accorded the level of respect you feel she deserves.

[@fredrika27]

@@timhazeltine3256 I worked the Invictus Games for the entire month they were in Düsseldorf and had the honor of meeting the Sussexes. Despite 30C⁰-40C⁰ weather that lasted 22 days with many volunteers getting ill, the Dutchess NEVER gave the appearance of being rude to the public, our Bundes President, the Governor of North Rhine Westphalia, the Lord Mayor of Düsseldorf and our Defense Minister, who were at the games every day. She was a real trooper, especially with the school kids, whom I chaperoned. I think it prudent now for British news to knock it off. You're starting to not only look bad, but also racist and misogynistic. Now, I will agree that no one is perfect. That said, Harry had to make a very public statement for the press to stop being racist and hounding his fiancé. That said, if you haven't noticed, the royal family have lost Diana, Sarah, Mark Phillips and Autumn Phillips. That's a 75% divorce rate for the Queen's children and 16% for her six marriage age grandchildren. 😳 That's an embarrassment and speaks volumes about what type of family the royal family actually is when no one can keep a spouse! Therefore, I don't think Meghan was rude to the family. Why? Because since the Sussexes left, the Mountbatten-Windsors have showed themselves to be petty: a) telling Meghan not to go to the Queen's bedside because Kate stayed home with the kids, pulling their security, snubbing the Invictus Games atletes by not sending a royal family members and most recently saying Charles sent an invitation to his 75th birthday when he didn't. You say Meghan was disrespectful to the Queen, but show me your proof. In the Oprah interview, the Sussexes made clear the Queen wasn't the problem. Meanwhile, the King insulted the African media by serving food that had been eaten with used toothpicks and cutlery. Meanwhile the Queen's Lady in Waiting insulted an citizen of African descent at the King's tea for volunteers and a report on the King's Scottish Guard found bullying of service personnel of color, but the Palace is exempt from prosecution. It's easy to say Meghan is the issue and put the blame on her instead of admitting the Queen had and King has serious issues in the Palace that have gone unaddressed. Upon hearing these things people stick their heads in the sand or do what the UK media has done dig their heals in for an full out assault. Unfortunately, the UK can't live as if others don't exist. At the turn of the century, the dollar princesses saved many a failing manor, the US helped in both wars and now there are no fewer than a dozen Americans married into aristocracy, helping them keep their homes. It's time the UK stop demanding Americans bow to them and start treating us as equal partners and investors. Most importantly, remember that our Black and Brown citizen are equal to yours! Indeed, most African American women at Meghan's and Kate's ststus have equal or higher education than the average British woman, white American males and Black males. Only Asian men and women out pace us. And that's the problem. The UK thought the US sent someone who was poorly educated only to find out Meghan had done more with her life than Kate has: holding a real master's degree, speaking three languages, traveling with the USO, representing the UN and working at a US Embassy. Harry chise a well-educated woman and not a British rose who went to school to get her Mrs. Degree. There's nothing wrong with do that. However, Meghan is better equipped for the job and actually worked. She shouldn't have to be hung and dried for that. Yet, she is. The same was done to Sophie who was in PR and Sarah who was a book editor. Both had better educations than the Queen and Anne. Americans raise our daughters to be smart, understand they will have a career and be a mother and fleißig like the American Vicountess. We do this as a form of protection against the hard knocks of life. Meghan can go to work in a variety of jobs, so can the American Vicountess who teaches yoga. Not to be disrespectful towards Kate, but she can't do that. Being respectful to the Crown has left Kate with very few job skills. Despite her public skeaking having improved, she's not good at it nor has she shown the public the results of her research on early childhood. So I rest my case now. Please reevaluate why Meghan should bow to her husband's father and subjects when those same people don't respect her for what she brings to the table.

[@tu3688]

I loved the sink and multi-colored tiles in the old kitchen.

[@1CelloOne]

Love the black floors - Keeper's Cottage is beautiful!

[@queens6583]

The cottage is absolutely stunning and the amount of work that had to be done is mind blowing. If I was single I'd want to live there and be perfectly happy. Great job to you, Luke, Malcolm and the rest of the team.

[@choppybuggy6291]

the renovation looks great but that multicolored tile was so cute!! i woulda kept it but everyone has different styles so makes sense

[@janinepeckham9925]

Nice. Maybe some outdoor furniture for the deck and maybe a telescope for some stargazing? A nice cobblestone path around the cottage possibly in the future?

[@HerAeolianHarp]

Julie's family are lucky. She is fun, warm-hearted and extremely industrious! I love watching her go to town on projects. I admire her.

[@PatriciaBarnes-p2u]

I don’t understand why those beautiful blemish free wide oak floors were painted black! A clear polyurethane would have shown the beauty of the wood. Now they look grungy and show every speck of dirt. I love sage green but too many shades of green here. A pop of color in a wonderful chintz in curtains and/or pillows would be nice. Cream colored walls and sage woodwork would’ve been nice.

[@halleyorion]

Maybe to save time/money? Restoring wood floors properly takes so much work. At least paint will be easy to strip off in the future. It would have been heartbreaking if they stained those floors a dark color instead because that’s a lot harder to undo.

[@sallysampson628]

The Keeper’s Cottage is now exactly that, a keeper! I love how it all turned out. I didn’t used to be a fan of green but I am now. I see a lot of negativity about the black painted floors, initially I thought the same, but with the paint colours, furnishings and rugs I think it all ties in very nicely!! 🥰🙅‍♀️

[@Susan.I]

The Keepers Cottage required so much work, yet it came out splendid!!

[@diannehardwick950]

The choice of soft greens is good. Green is a relaxing colour and will help visitors to unwind - which is what a holiday is all about!

[@carolwaugh5466]

What a hard worker you are! And everything you do is perfect! Very well done! You are the right mistress for Mapperton, without doubt. I’m English, live in North Carolina and can no longer travel, but so enjoy your videos.

[@brianswinscoe5412]

You both work so hard. Well done brilliant

[@28105wsking]

One of the things I love about watching restoration videos is the different ways people do things. What things do they choose to do first? Of course, roofs and windows have to be quickly repaired, but for me, even tho it might not be very important, if I see the outside is cleaned up and mowed back and spiffied up, and the entry way with a new doormat, pot of flowers, and wind chime, then I already feel that I have done a lot, because its the first thing everyone sees. I firmly believe the appearance of things is really important to the way people feel about people and things. When people see care and respect, they give care and respect. Appearance is very important to everyone. Bless the outside and entry way and the house just loves you back and cooperates with you! Something cute, pretty, whimsical, funny, playful. My aunt used to say, "Each room should have a little red, a little wood, a little plant, a little brass or silver shining brightly and every house needs a cat to make a home." An architect friend used to say, "The most important element in each house is the element of surprise and delight."

[@PeterPanMan]

REALLY well done. I think you (and Malcolm) made excellent design choices that resulted in a cottage that never veered into cutesy/schlocky but would still appeal to mainstream clientele...and is therefore highly rentable. You've got a design that you can be really proud of but is still going to generate excellent cash flow. Again, well done.

[@lindamagleby6795]

Please, what did you do with the one window between the two new bathrooms upstairs? Does the dividing wall go all the way through to the window? I think it must, but I couldn’t tell from the video. The cottage is charming. I love your taste.

[@lynnelashua3817]

Absolutely beautiful renovation.

[@marthaizaguirre6363]

Like Prince Charming you hacked away the bushes and awakened the beauty inside! Bravo! 🥰

[@sueb3798]

OMG I love this cottage. Adorable lovely comfy and safe. I would be right at home in your cottage. Do you need a 'Keeper?' LOL

[@kayleehealy8406]

The cottage looks wonderful Julie, what a transformation. I love the sage green particularly the kitchen cupboards.

[@goldenineke]

I’m still curious as to how you dealt with the large central window after the division of that room into a bathroom and ensuite. I’m such a nerd but I love all things architectural. Could Malcolm explain how he dealt to the that?

[@goldenineke]

@@MrsTLadd thank you! Yes I did see that video but the wall being created was built across the middle of the central window but only up to the windowsill with a definite gap from the depth of the windowsill still being open. I’m sure it wouldn’t have been left like that as that would mean zero privacy for each space lol.

[@tonitemperance9960]

I love the color choices of greens and orange for sitting room. I adore painting floors and steps black, helps to ground the room.

[@debrap947]

My dream cottage! I wouldn't change a thing. Wonderful care you took with the reno, your heart is all over it. Thanks for sharing Julie, cheers.

[@JeanineMarieCompassion]

So wonderful Julie and Luke! You are the queen and king of completing projects smartly and efficiently!

[@MappertonLive]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@katiem6773]

Just such a wonderful transformation. It looks like a cozy, relaxing and warm place to stay! Well done.

[@MappertonLive]

Thank you! 😊

[@tiblanes]

Yup! I love this renovating and re-decorating content.

[@patriciacinea3097]

You're resurrected a beautiful structure and made it into a storybook cottage. Just lovely. Nothing like those windows that open outward onto gorgeous grounds. Timeless and classic. Wonderfully done.

[@costrow3100]

Other than the dowdy 1970s green and beige colour scheme it has been nicely modernised and the exterior looks great. Maybe she needs an interior designer to suggest a nicer, brighter scheme. The black floors are awful. As long as you were sanding you could have added a nice stain. The paint will probably start chipping on the softer wood floors within a year and the rough sisal will attach to the black paint necessitating a resand. They will need to repaint often if the cottage gets busy so that’s an easy adjustment. Other than the essence of congealed pea soup it looks comfortable for someone who wants to roam the grounds and enjoy the beautiful English countryside. It looks like the structure is great now.

[@JohnMcGovern-s5c]

I liked the multi-colered tiles in the kitchen...you forgot to ask me... 😅

[@jeremypearson6852]

It would look even better with a gravel driveway and some planters on the deck with bright flowers. An expat watching in Florida.

[@susancummings2288]

Watching the dining room carpet being lifted, and several orbs were flying around!

[@kathyevans2968]

The cottage is an absolute gem! You and Luke (& Malcom & the tradesmen) are an amazing team. You’re continuing on with what Luke’s family has done over the decades to continue to improve and restore for future generations. X

[@anottens30]

Your floot choice is to the time period and it turned out amazing so great job

[@heatherdeavalon]

Turned out beautifully!

[@mariaangelesmarinramirez5376]

Julie Crumbling Cottage is Beautiful.

[@lindabenedict8379]

I love the new kitchen , very modern , not sure about the black floors will show all the dust and dirt, will have to sweep everyday twice a day but I think you’ve done a fantastic job

[@kathymcfarland5516]

What a magnificent transformation! A nightmare has turned into a wonderful dream getaway refuge! You must be so proud to have been such an integral part of this, and rightly so! Well done to the entire team!

[@joybader4035]

Julie u all did a fabulous job!!! Love this!!!

[@blakehahn-atlantaga8510]

Beautiful renovation! I’d love to stay in this lovely cottage!

[@ytu77]

Oh....I really don't know what to think about this transformation Julie and Luke.....but I do appreciate your work!!!!!🎉🎉❤

[@elizabethackerman681]

smashing! you've got a specific and great taste for these old dwellings. Clean, comfy, just a little modern.

[@mariannegoins3610]

I love your enthusiasm for all of your projects. You get right into each project and everything looks amazing.

[@tessab.5379]

Absolutely stunning!!! I've been waiting for the reveille!!!❤

[@markbarnwell942]

Good ole American knowhow across the pond. Very well done. My partner and I will be in the UK April 2024. Hope to find time to visit.

[@Muttsrus-bk7yd]

It looks amazing Julie!! I cant wait to see your house in Italy done 2!!

[@maurawhelan3530]

What a gorgeous cozy place! Well done!

[@beautifully_wonderfullymade]

Lovely renovation. I am glad you endured the difficulty and if anything if it was left to long the cottage could have been a lot more damaged... repair just in time really. She was restored from the beginning of ruin. Warms my heart. I love the colours of the home.

[@crystalheart9]

Oh what you have done with the cottage has brought it back to life. I adore the colors you used they are so calming and relaxing. Just a beautiful job restoring the charming cottage.

[@Rozewolf]

It's a beautiful remodel. Wow. Thank you for sharing it with us.

[@kathleencreighton1584]

Wonderful job. The colors are so soothing.

[@normasaldivar8645]

Well done, all. These trials are there to teach us things about the work or our own spirit. Well done.

[@BridLong-y7g]

I think potentially people that stay at this workers cottage will scorn that black paint everywere. She said a key phrase like this cottage is "only" 100 years old so the respect for this little gem is unfortunately not there. You can scoff at the mistakes of the past but slapping that black paint everwhere is no better. This just riled me right up tbh 😅

[@jamesallison4875]

Kudos for completing these projects. You must have wonderful craftsmen to help. However, I do find the black floors cold and inappropriate. Not tragic, but a warm dark stain would have been lovely.

[@silva7493]

I'll never understand painting the floors black. There must be something I missed about them or their condition along the way.

[@N0N4M30]

It actually is illegal in most parts of the EU to do such a horrendous thing! She didn’t restore the floor she butchered it!!!

[@silva7493]

@@N0N4M30 I agree. It certainly isn't restored.

[@Danigys]

The interior of the cottage looks fabulous with the exception of the floors, unfortunately.

[@silva7493]

@@Danigys The part of the wood plank floors I saw while they were sanding were breathtakingly beautiful. Yes, indeed. Unfortunate.

[@th49]

To each their own, I guess. I'd have gone with a really dark stain...rather than black paint. I'll paint wood, but generally only if it is cheap wood and if it has no historical value. I do love the rest of it though.

[@MicaRayan]

You've done a splendid job. Oh my, I'm in tears. It is beautiful. You did it justice and now people are able to admire just like it was once stand on its heyday. It is an education, really. Congrats 🎉

[@SissyKay]

That's a sweet cottage! They/you did a nice job with the renovation.

[@Eric-kf6dy]

Just a suggestion but the outside deck needs a pair of chairs or lounges for guests to sit and enjoy the beautiful views. All in all, it seems well worth the time & effort you invested. Congratulations.

[@Betrue875]

My sense is this project was very labor-intensive, and required a lot of patience as well as a very committed team of tradesmen working in harmony with eachother. I'm glad it ended well and you learned a great deal from the experience! Well done! I applaud all the workmen who knew what needed to be done to make it right! That's a very difficult task!

[@penneyburgess5431]

It turned out so beautiful! Great job!❤

[@charmainejfritz]

love this fairy tale cottage so much work but a total success!

[@ConnieAnderson-p8o]

Lovely job Julie

[@di557dianebritson]

Makes me think of your Italian house, and renovations you complete splendidly!!!

[@Captain-KTS]

The place looks amazing, Julie & Luke!!!I’d love to stay there. I talked my friends into going to the Christmas Market your having next week, can’t wait to see it on thier KZbin Channel: Chateau de la Ferte !

[@sharronandrews7675]

For something that proved to be a nightmare over time, it really turned into a dream cottage in the end! Congratulations on a job well done!

[@shawnfrye5987]

This Cottage is beautiful I love all the green the baseboards are great

[@puckturkey]

Wonderful project, renovating updating, and maintaining for a viable future at Mapperton

[@dsmith9796]

What a wonderful transformation. The kitchen is a dream! So much work but you and your team have smashed it!!! Anyone would be lucky to have a stay in your cottage. There is far too much green for my taste but that is a minor thing - I'm sure your guests will love it. Congratulations!

[@Shannon_RA]

I love what you’ve done with the decor ❤. Any plans to put wood burners back in though? It’s a shame to lose them since they’re such a part of the charm or were they involved in the chimney issues?

[@jampuppy]

Beautiful work, Julie. Congratulations to everyone.

[@waynejones750]

The cottage looks beautiful😊

[@Marilinaa]

Beautiful transformation

[@ladysparkymartin]

I’ve been excited to see this cottage come back to life and I’m thrilled it has! Congratulations! 😊

[@Jayhawkga]

Thanks for the videos. The cottage turned out great.

[@corinnemartin6456]

I was born in 1958 , my mum and dad had rugs in the middle of the floors and the edges were painted black , it was a style at the time if you couldn't afford fitted carpet , later on linoleum was used .

[@katsnow9256]

Amazing video of a really astonishing transformation! Oh my goodness, you all work so hard, everyday!

[@deirdrecerasa3932]

The cottage is lovely; so warm and welcoming. The kitchen is perfection. ❤

[@rosemariedeschenes7013]

I’ve watched this project from the beginning and it came out beautifully ❤❤❤Bravo and congratulations 🎉🎊 on a job well done 😍😘

[@si_vis_amari_ama]

Just thinking what a great team you are there with your complementary skills and being as so personable; how well you integrate Mapperton with the Public, and your excellent projects. A shining example for others from which to learn, and a pleasure to watch. Wishing you well from Australia.

[@lindsayhenson6628]

Absolutely love what you have achieved with that beautiful cottage. The colour schemes are 100% me! Very , very inviting , all the hard work has paid off and it’s a fabulous holiday stay. Well done.

[@teresaproano7984]

Adorable. Job well done! So glad to see the cottage has been completed.🎉

[@slab3662]

I cannot wait to see the growth in the spring!

[@Jane-3229]

Beautiful transformation ❤

[@MappertonLive]

Thank you so much 😀

[@justice-jb5ld]

That’s a very good looking kitchen, love the color.

[@tlthomp59]

Love your channel. I am so glad I found you. I think you are a Godsend to this estate, and more so to the family. The love you have for the family and the estate is obvious. I look forward to watching everything you and yours do. From one American to another, God Bless!! Terri from Wisconsin, USA

[@charliesgrl2]

It is absolutely stunning! I love it. I love the colors. The kitchen I’ve been waiting to see the kitchen, and it did not disappoint! The other thing I wanted to see, was how you split the window when you made the bedroom into two bathrooms. It seems like you can look from one bathroom window into the other bathroom? Or reach your hand or throw someone a roll of toilet paper?! Is that true?

[@christinev6206]

Beautiful, beautiful renovation

[@karenmorrison8112]

On my bucket list to visit. It's lovely.

[@KialayaKreations]

I absolutely loved the sage green/cream/orangey shades used thoughout the whole house. It makes it look so nice and cosy and warm and typical English. What I just cant for my life understand is why would she clash all that with those absolutely horrendous black paint floors. They are a pain to behold, those gorgeous old wood floors being painted all over. She might as well just have left carpet over it, much better. As many others have said, a lovely warm dark shade of tint or wax would have been just the touch to finish the cosy look. This is an old English cottage and it just seems that a bit too many "modern american" looks have creeped into it. The fireplaces are too bare and simple for my taste and the exterior was just gorgeous as it was with all that true English greenery making it a fairy tale cottage instead of the "clean and sharp" look that takes away personality and just makes it simple and bare. I understand if they had to take off some of the plants if they are damaging the exterior walls, but I am hoping they make it possible so that plants cover up some parts again and make it blend more into its surroundings. I understand that some people found the multicoloured tiles in the kitchen cute but yes, it was a good decision to make them go, they just didn't match the general colours theme chosen for the cottage. Just in case its not clear, I do find the renovation beautiful and with great taste, I just think they ought to stay a bit more true to English old style, modern and minimalist is ok but not so much for houses like these.

[@monathomas1777]

All ready for guests 🎉

[@whitehawk22]

omg so much GREEN ... a sweet sweet cottage, you gave it lots of love, but adding other light neutrals would've been my way to go.

[@shendybean6114]

Oh wow iota lovely to see have been following the progress since the start love it xx

[@debraflorez2265]

Beautiful makeover!

[@marymerrill1612]

Congratulations! What a frustrating project. But hooray!!! It is finished!!! Beautiful job!!!!!!!

[@marytanne4964]

Excellent job! Very nicely done Julie, Luke, and Malcom! Especially love how you transformed the kitchen! Thanks for sharing all the details!

[@joannecooke7732]

Great job it looks beautiful x

[@annabodroghkozy1498]

❤ the black floor🙂

[@ThereseHope]

Be proud of all your and teams work, which I know you are already, because it is Absolutely Beautiful ❤️